Wireless communication activation system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and method of alerting a wireless communication capability of a camera body to the presence of an external antenna element present in electrical communication with a pre-existing port of the camera body that was originally not designed for an external antenna. The wireless communication capability may be activated and/or deactivated by an electrical event produced when a connector of the external antenna is connected to the pre-existing port.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/306,759, filed Nov. 26, 2002, entitled “Wireless CommunicationModule,” now allowed, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of wirelesscommunication. More particularly, the present invention is directed to awireless communication activation system and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of photography, remote lighting for photography can bedifficult, especially for outdoor shots. Photographing a building orother outdoor scene presents a significant challenge when the lightsmust be close to the building or scene and the camera must be furtheraway to take in the entire building or scene. In certain situations,cables are used for remote photography lighting. However, because it istypically illegal to string cables across a public street, the use ofcable is often not practical. Even if it is possible to use cables, itis not preferred because they are heavy, unwieldy, and tangle easily. Inaddition, the cables must be hidden from view in the photograph.

As a result of the difficulties encountered using cables with remotephotography lighting, various remote control devices utilizing multiplewireless technologies have been developed to remotely controlphotography equipment such as flashpacks and secondary cameras. Infrared(IR), cellular, light pulse, and radio frequency (RF) are some examplesof wireless technologies employed in prior art devices. One particularlyeffective system is the PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ designed by Lab PartnersAssociates Inc. of South Burlington, Vt. The PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ isan intelligent device that utilizes RF technology with a fullyprogrammable transceiver. Much of the technology incorporated in thedesign of the PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,359,375, which is incorporated by reference as if fully disclosedherein, issued to Clark on Oct. 25, 1994.

Typically, prior art devices require the connection of a transmitter,receiver, or transceiver to the exterior of a camera. The attachment ofa transmitter, receiver, or transceiver to the exterior of a camera orother device increases the weight of the device and can make the devicedifficult to handle. In addition, the attached device is often easilydamaged. However, the only way to provide existing devices that were notoriginally designed to include remote control functionality with suchfunctionality is to attach a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver tothe exterior of the device. Thus, in order to provide remote controlfunctionality to existing devices, a separate transmitter, receiver, ortransceiver must be attached to the exterior of the device body as inthe example of a camera described previously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system for alertinga wireless communication capability within a camera body to the presenceof an external antenna, the camera body including a pre-existing portnot originally designed to accept a wireless communications antenna, thewireless communication capability being in electrical communication withthe pre-existing port. The system includes an antenna element and a portconnector configured to connect to the pre-existing port of the camerabody, the port connector being in electrical communication with theantenna element and providing electrical communication between theantenna element and the wireless communication capability when the portconnector element is connected to the pre-existing port of the camerabody. The system also includes an antenna notification module inelectrical communication with the antenna element and the portconnector, the antenna notification module producing an electrical eventwhen the port connector element is connected to the pre-existing port ofthe camera body, the electrical event providing an indication to thewireless communication capability that the antenna element is present.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes an antennaassembly for removable connection to a first PC connector of a camerabody having wireless communication capability therein. The antennaassembly includes an antenna element and a second PC connector includinga male connector pin in electrical communication with the antennaelement, the male connector pin providing electrical communicationbetween the antenna element and the wireless communication capabilitywhen the male PC connector is connected to the PC connector of thecamera body. The antenna assembly also includes an antenna notificationmodule in electrical communication with the antenna element and thesecond PC connector, the antenna notification module producing anelectrical event when the second PC connector is connected to the firstPC connector of the camera body, the electrical event providing anindication to the wireless communication capability that the antennaelement is present.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a wirelesscommunication system for a camera body, the camera body including a PCconnector and a wireless communication module having an antenna sensingmeans, the wireless communication module being in electricalcommunication with the first PC connector. The system includes anantenna element external to the camera body and a connecting means forconnecting the antenna element to the PC connector of the camera body,the connecting means being in electrical communication with the antennaelement. The system also includes a notification means for electricallycommunicating the presence of the antenna element to the antenna sensingmeans when the connecting means is connected to the PC connector of thecamera body, the antenna element being adapted to transmit and receiveone or more signals from and to the camera body.

In still another embodiment, the present invention includes a cameracapable of wirelessly communicating with a remote device. The cameraincludes a first PC connector exposed to an outside surface of a body ofthe camera and a wireless communication module having an antenna sensingmeans, the wireless communication module being in electricalcommunication with the first PC connector. The camera also includes anantenna element external to the body of the camera and a secondconnector operatively configured to connect the antenna element to thefirst PC connector, the second connector being in electricalcommunication with the antenna element. The camera further includes anotification means for electrically communicating the presence of theantenna element to the antenna sensing means.

In still yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a methodof activating a wireless communication capability of a camera body. Themethod includes producing an electrical event by connecting an externalantenna to a PC connector of the camera body, and using the electricalevent to notify the wireless communication capability of the presence ofthe external antenna.

Other features, utilities and advantages of various embodiments of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show one ormore forms of the invention. However, it should be understood that thepresent invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows the flow of signals within oneembodiment of the wireless communication module of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front right isometric view of a camera containing oneembodiment of the wireless communication module of the present inventionincluding a removably attachable antenna connected to the PC connectorport on the camera;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a camera including one embodiment of thewireless communication module of the present invention and devices thattypically communicate with the module;

FIG. 4 is a phantom front isometric view of a typical camera that showsthe positioning of one embodiment of the wireless communication moduleof the present invention and associated detachable antenna;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of one embodiment of the wirelesscommunication module of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a partial side section view taken along line 5B-5B of FIG.5A;

FIG. 6A is similar to FIG. 2, except that it shows the placement andrange of motion of an antenna when installed in the PC connector port ofa camera;

FIG. 6B is a side section view taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that shows the elements of one embodiment ofthe wireless communication module of the present invention andassociated elements of the camera with which the module is connected;

FIGS. 8A-8D are installation drawings showing the various stages ofinstallation of one embodiment of the wireless communication module ofthe present invention in a camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The wireless communication module of the present invention adds wirelesscontrol functionality to existing devices, for example cameras. Themodule is inserted in a device that was originally designed without, orwith different, remote control functionality. A device including themodule can remotely operate other devices using the existing controls ofthe device. The module enables a user to remotely operate externaldevices without any cables running back to the device. It also allows auser to remotely operate other devices that include the wirelesscommunication module.

In one embodiment, the module is installed in a camera and is used toadd wireless flashpack and wireless camera controls to the camera. Themodule permits a user to remotely fire flashpacks without any cablesrunning back to the camera. In addition, a camera including a wirelesscommunication module may be remotely controlled and/or programmed byanother camera including a module and vice versa. Depending upon thecontrol command sent, a module inserted in one camera could also be usedto remotely change the shutter speed or some other setting of a secondcamera containing a module.

Referring to FIG. 1, wireless communication module 2 serves as anintermediary device between the controls 3 of a first device 4, thefirst device, and one or more remote devices 5. FIG. 1 is a blockdiagram that illustrates the general flow of communication signals inmodule 2. In operation, module 2 intercepts signals 6 as they flow fromcontrols 3 of first device 4 to other elements of the first device (e.g,signals generated from user interface inputs). Next, module 2 translatessignals 6 and generates corresponding signals 7 in response to signals 6received from first device 4. The corresponding signals 7 aretransmitted to remote devices 5 via a transmitter, transceiver, orsimilar mechanism and or back to first device 4 itself.

Module 2 may also receive signals 8 from remote device 5 via a receiver(not shown). In receiver mode, module 2 translates signals 8 andgenerates corresponding signals 7 to send to first device 4.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate a camera 10 including one embodiment of thewireless communication module 2 of the present invention. Notably, thewireless communication module 2 resides entirely within the housing 11of camera 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the only feature that allows oneto detect the presence of the wireless communication module 2 withincamera 10 is the presence of an external antenna 12 connected to a PCconnector 14 on the face 16 of the camera. As described more fullybelow, when module 2 is not in use, antenna 12 may be detached therebyremoving structural signs indicating the presence of a wirelesscommunication module 2 within camera housing 11. When module 2 is not inuse, camera 10 will generally function normally but without wirelesscommunication functionality.

FIG. 3 illustrates typical devices that may communicate with wirelesscommunication module 2 of the present invention installed in housing 11of camera 10. One such device is a receiver device 18 that can beattached to the exterior of a camera 20 that does not include the modulethereby allowing camera 10 to control certain functions of camera 20.Alternatively, receiver device 18 may be connected to a remote flashdevice or flashpack 22. In the instance where a flashpack 22 has eithera wireless communication module 2 installed therein, or other receivingmeans installed therein, camera 10 may communicate directly with aflashpack 22.

Two or more cameras having wireless communication module 2 maycommunicate with one another. A user can send and receive messagesbetween two cameras 10 and 10′ having modules 2 thereby allowing a userto wirelessly trigger either of the two cameras using the controls ofthe other camera. A user will also be able to alter the settings of onecamera using the controls of another camera wirelessly.

Wireless communication module 2 can also be used to wirelesslycommunicate with other external devices such as a spray bottle 24 orother mechanical device that includes reception capabilities. In theexample of a camera 10 outfitted with module 2, the ability to actuateexternal devices such as spray bottles or other mechanical deviceswirelessly may be beneficial to photographers trying to preciselycapture events related to the external device. For example, aphotographer might want to capture an image of vapor droplets as theyexit the nozzle of a spray bottle. As one can recognize, the ability toprecisely control the time that the vapor droplets exit the nozzle willenable a user to more precisely capture the image of those droplets.Although the examples described herein are in relation to a camera, oneskilled in the art will recognize that wireless communication module 2can also be used in myriad devices other than cameras to provide suchdevices with wireless communication functionality.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate one embodiment of wireless communication module 2as installed in camera 10. Module 2 typically resides within camerahousing 11 on the side of the housing adjacent PC connector 14.Removable antenna 12, which is removably attachable to PC connector 14,is adapted for use with module 2 and transmits signals to and from themodule via a connection 27 between the module and the PC connector.Module 2 includes a head portion 28 that contains two substantiallycircular flex connectors 29. When installed in camera 10, head portion28 is folded over so that it is substantially perpendicular to theremaining portions of module 2. In certain cameras (such as a Nikon®D1), the screws (not shown) that both connect upper portion 30 of camerahousing 11 to lower portion 32 of the camera housing serve as a path forelectrical signals between the camera controls housed in the upperportion of the camera housing and the mechanical controls housed in thelower portion of the camera housing. Module 2 takes advantage of thisfunctionality by providing apertures 33 in flex connectors 29. When thescrews used to secure together upper portion 30 and lower portion 32 arereceived in apertures 33, flex connectors 29 permit wirelesscommunication module 2 to intercept the electronic signals transferredbetween the camera controls and the mechanical controls in camera 10. Incameras that do not utilize body screws as a conduit for electricalsignals, module 2 may be more directly connected to the camera controlsusing any appropriate means including soldered connections or otherwise.

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of one embodiment of wireless communicationmodule 2 similar to that installed in camera 10 of FIG. 4. Generally,module 2 is defined by a base 34, typically a circuit board thatincludes three main portions: a substantially rectangular body portion36; a narrow throat or neck portion 38; and, as noted above, asubstantially square head portion 28. In at least one embodiment, base34 is a 6-layer ridged flex circuit board. This embodiment has manyground layers to keep all digital signals clean and isolated from the RFsignals.

Surface 37 of body portion 36 typically includes module microchips 40and other electrical connections. Microchips 40 and other electricalconnections typically include at least a central processing unit (CPU)41, module controls 42, and a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver chip43 to provide wireless communication capabilities within module 2, asdescribed in more detail below. Although the entire module 2,illustrated in FIG. 5A, is typically fabricated of a non-rigid material,throat 38 and head portions 28 are particularly flexible to allow thehead portion to be bent at a substantially perpendicular angle to bodyportion 36. Connection 27 is also joined with module controls 42 on oneend and with PC connector 14 at the other end thereby providing theaforementioned electrical connection between module 2 and antenna 12connected to PC connector 14.

Module 2 is substantially rectangular in shape as illustrated in FIG.5A. One skilled in the art, however, will recognize that module 2 can bedeveloped in virtually any shape to fit the specific geometricalconstraints of the device in which it is located.

FIG. 5B is a partial side section view of one flex connector 29. Thelatter includes electrical contacts 80 and 82 provided on top surface 37and bottom surface 84 of head portion 28. In addition, electricalconnectors 86 and 88 are also formed on top and bottom surfaces 37 and84. Electrical connectors 86 and 88 electrically connect contacts 80 and82, respectively, with other areas on base 34. In at least oneembodiment, a contact relay 90 that connects relays 86 and 88 may alsobe present in base 34. In an embodiment without contact relay connect90, signals intercepted by contact 80 may be processed separately fromsignals intercepted by contact 82, and vice versa.

In operation, contacts 80 and or contacts 82 may intercept signals fromthe controls of device 4. The intercepted signals are sent via relays 86and 88 to CPU 41 of module 2 and then returned to the device and ortransmitted to a remote device via transceiver 43.

FIG. 6A-6B illustrate antenna 12 and its connection to PC connector 14.In one embodiment, antenna 12 is a copper-plated coiled spring 13covered with a thin molded rubber cover 15 for protection. The exposedend of the copper-plated coiled spring is soldered to a male PCconnector 17 before molding.

Antenna 12 is very easily connected to camera 10 by simply plugging theantenna into PC connector 14 on face 11 of the camera. As indicated bythe dashed lines in FIG. 6A, antenna 12 is rotatably joined with PCconnector 14. Such a connection allows a user flexibility in positioningantenna 12 at the most effective location for transmitting and receivingsignals and allows the antenna to be positioned so as to accommodate theuser's handling of the camera.

When not using the wireless transmission functionality of wirelesscommunication module 2, antenna 12 can easily be removed from PCconnector 14. Conversely, antenna 12 can be re-attached to PC connector14 just as easily when the functionality of the wireless communicationmodule is desired.

As mentioned above, and illustrated in FIG. 7, the wirelesscommunication module of the present invention includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 41. A CPU used in one embodiment of the inventionis an in-system programmable microcontroller manufactured by Atmel ofSan Jose, Calif. and identified by model number AT90S8515. Other logicdevices may also be satisfactorily employed as CPU 41. CPU 41 includesfirmware for communicating with the camera controls. As describedherein, reference will be made to actions taken by CPU 41. As oneskilled in the art understands, the firmware program stored within CPU41 is actually responsible for dictating the operations performed by theCPU.

FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of data and the interaction between thecontrols of camera 10 and one embodiment of module 2 via the flexconnector 29, CPU 41, and external devices via antenna 12. In thisparticular embodiment, module 2 includes a transceiver chip 43 orequivalent device capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals usedin the communication of information between a camera 10 including module2 and other devices such as a flashpack 22 (FIG. 3). A suitabletransceiver chip 43 is manufactured by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ofGreensboro, N.C., and is identified by model number RF2915. Although RFsignals are utilized in one particular embodiment, the present inventionencompasses all wireless communication technologies including cellularand infrared technologies.

In one embodiment, in transmission mode, transceiver chip 43 (indicatedby dashed line in FIG. 7) of module 2 uses on/off keying (OOK) of areference signal provided via line 52 that can be programmed anywherebetween 344.04 MHz and 354.04 MHz with both 15 us and 25 us bit times(i.e., time it takes to transfer one bit) as its signaling means. Ofcourse in other embodiments, phase shift keying (PSK) or frequency shiftkeying (FSK) may be used instead of OOK. The reference signal on line 52is derived from a phase lock loop (PLL) 54 circuit that is controlledfrom CPU 41. A single 4.000 MHz crystal 56 is used both to providereference input to CPU 41 and as the reference clock for PLL 54. CPU 41sends a transmission enable signal along line 58 to start transmissionof signals. PLL 54 has a lock detect output (not shown) that ismonitored by CPU 41 to ensure reference signal 52 is on frequency beforetransmission is enabled.

PLL 54 sends the reference signal and line 52 to a voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 55 connected to PLL 54. VCO 55 develops a signalcarrier from the reference signal and sends the signal carrier on line53 to a power amp 60. Power amp 60 amplifies the RF signal carried bythe signal carrier.

In operation, when a trigger (i.e., a sync pulse) comes in from camera10, via flex connector 29, CPU 41 enables the transmitter circuitcontained in transceiver chip 43. CPU 41 then shifts out a serialcommand code by modulating a power amp 60 on and off. A logic 1 isrepresented by carrier on and a logic 0 by carrier off. When amp 60 ispowered off during the 0 bits, the signal level drops by about 70 dB.The harmonics are kept low by way of a band pass filter 62 on the outputof power amp 60 and by keeping the transmitter amplifier power levelabout 10 dB below its P1 dB limit. RF output power into antenna 12 isless than −5 dBm.

Every command code is sent twice (or more) with a pause in between. Thisis to increase reliability and also to keep the average duty cycle low.

In receive mode, CPU 41 enables a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 64 and mixer66 built into transceiver chip 43. An indicator 68 known as the receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI) is monitored by the CPU's internalanalog comparator to look for proper bit patterns from the transmittercircuit within transceiver chip 43. Band pass filter 70 is positionedbetween mixer 66 and RSSI 68 for removing unwanted frequencies. PLL 54is set 10.7 MHz below the frequency that is being monitored. As can beassumed from the previous sentence, the intermediate frequency (IFfrequency) is 10.7 MHz. Band pass filters 62 and 70 offer greatselectivity to the IF section of transceiver chip 43. When implementedas 230 KHz ceramic band pass filters, filters 62 and 70 providesensitivity in transceiver chip 43 of about −94 dBm for S/N of 12 dB.

A shield (not shown) is generally provided covering the entire RFsection of body section 36 of module 28 to eliminate any signal leakagefrom PLL 54 to the outside. As the body of camera 10 is typically madeof metal, additional shielding is provided. Of course, where the body isnot made of metal, additional shielding materials may be provided asnecessary.

Module 2 uses a linear voltage regulator IC 72 to maintain 3.3V internalfrom the camera's batteries 74. In one embodiment, module 2 draws about13 mA while in receive mode and about 16 mA peak in the transmit mode.When the power switch (not shown) of camera 10 is turned off, module 2goes into sleep mode where current draw is dropped to about 1 mA. Sincea typical camera battery 74 is rated for about 200 mA-H, module 2 has avery small effect on overall battery drain.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6B and 7, in one embodiment, module 2 isautomatically activated when male connector pin 17 of antenna 12 isattached to PC connector 14. Other activation approaches, e.g., viacontrols of camera 10, are also encompassed by the present invention. Aninductor 76 (FIG. 6B), e.g., a 470 mH inductor in one embodiment of theinvention, is connected from antenna 12 to the ground connection (notshown) of PC connector 14 via antenna contact 77 (FIG. 6B). Inductor 76has an inductance chosen to have a resonance at 350 MHz so that it lookslike an open circuit to the RF signal, but presents a short circuit toground at low DC frequencies. As one skilled in the art will understand,alternate devices such as capacitors, resistors, or similar mechanismsmay be used in place of inductor 76. In such embodiments, activation andor deactivation of module 2 may be based on electrical events other thana short circuit (e.g., the measured current across an alternate device).This short circuit is typically detected by CPU 41 and is used to enableor disable radio operation. If the short circuit is not detected by CPU41, module 2 knows antenna 12 is not connected. Antenna 12 is typicallydesigned to have a resistance of about 50 ohms for easy productiontesting. As mentioned above, the bodies of many cameras are made ofmetal alloy, which also makes for a good ground for antenna 12.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate one method of installing module 2 in a camerasuch as a Nikon D1. FIG. 8A shows camera 10 without module 2 installed.First, upper portion 30 of housing 11 is substantially detached fromlower portion 32 of housing 11 thereby exposing the inside 80 of bothportions 30, 32.

Next, wireless communication module 2 is inserted into lower portion 32so that it will reside adjacent PC connector 14 when portions 30, 32 arereconnected. When inserted, top 28 of module 2 is closer to upperportion 30. Additionally, the width (Wm) of module 2 is typicallyoriented relative to the width (Wc) of a sidewall 91 so that surface 37of module 2 is co-planar to sidewall 33. Of course, in devices otherthan the one illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, module 2 may be located andoriented in any manner within the device in order to facilitateconnection of the module to the particular device's controls.

After insertion of module 2, head portion 28 is folded over so that itis substantially perpendicular to the remaining portions 36, 38 ofmodule 2. At the same time, flex connectors 29 formed in head portion 28are positioned so apertures 33 are aligned with the female screw holes(not shown) formed on lower portion 32 so that when upper and lowerportions 30, 32 are reconnected, the screws joining them together passthrough apertures 33 flex connectors 29. As a result, contacts 80 and 82of flex connector 29 are electrically connected so as to receive cameracontrol signals carried by the camera screws in apertures 33. Solderedconnections are typically made to connect camera 10's power supply tomodule 2 and connect antenna wire 27 to PC connector 14 inside housing16 of camera 10. Of course, as one skilled in the art will understand,there are myriad ways to connect module 2 to camera 10 other thansoldered connections. After module 2 is joined with camera 10, upperportion 30 is reconnected to lower portion 32 thereby enclosing module 2within body 16 of camera 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 8D, in one embodiment, the remote controlfunctionality of module 2 is activated by attaching antenna 12 to PCconnector 14 on housing 11 of camera 10, as described above.

As discussed above, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, thescrews and screw holes (not shown) that hold upper and lower portions 30and 32 of camera body 16 together also serve as a communication path fortransferring electrical signals between module 2 and the controls ofcamera 10. However, in other embodiments, screws may not be used to holda camera's body together and therefore will not be available to serve asa point of connection with module 2. Alternative ways of creating aconnection between module 2 and the controls of the device in which itresides are contemplated by the present invention. One such way is thedirect connection (via soldering or similar methods of connection) of awire from the camera controls to module 2.

As described herein, the wireless communication module 2 of the presentinvention is particularly suited for use with photographic equipment.FIG. 3 shows several different photographic applications of the wirelesscommunication module of the present invention. However, as one skilledin the art will recognize, the wireless communication module of thepresent invention can be used in conjunction with any device thatincludes controls capable of communicating with CPU 41. Also, asdescribed herein, wireless communication module 2 is also referred to asmicrocontroller radio card 2. As further described herein,microcontroller radio card 2 is but one embodiment of a wirelesscommunication module of the present invention. Other embodiments mayincludes non-RF transmission technologies as explained herein.

In addition, although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 and describedabove delineates specific transmission frequencies, etc., one skilled inthe art recognizes that other embodiments of the present invention mayinclude any frequencies that provide acceptable transmission andreception of signals and are allowed by law.

Wireless communication module 2 of the present invention offersadvantages over prior art devices because it makes it possible toconvert a previously non-wireless device to a device having fullwireless communication functionality. In addition, the original devicedoes not have to be substantially altered or modified. Of course, thewireless communication module may be altered to fit within variousgeometrical configurations. Changes to the original device such asmodifications to firmware or software or minor physical alterations toensure the module will fit within the original device are not consideredsubstantial alterations or modifications as defined herein. Rather,substantial modifications include comprehensive modifications to thestructure of the original device that require new molding of theoriginal device body, changes that substantially impact the costs ofmanufacturing the modified device as compared to the original device,and or changes that substantially impact the amount of time it takes tomanufacture the modified device as compared to the original device.Nothing in the art exists to allow for such enhancements in existingdevices.

While chip 43 is primarily described as providing RF signals, it is tobe appreciated that the present invention encompasses the use of a chipthat transmits and receives other signal types. These other signal typesinclude infrared, sound, cellular, magnetic, and light pulse.

As a result, certain embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed and discussed herein, although it should be understood thatthe present invention is not limited to these (or any other) particularembodiment. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A system for alerting a wireless communication capability within acamera body to the presence of an external antenna, the camera bodyincluding a pre-existing port not originally designed to accept awireless communications antenna, the wireless communication capabilitybeing in electrical communication with the pre-existing port, the systemcomprising: (a) an antenna element; (b) a port connector configured toconnect to the pre-existing port of the camera body, said port connectorbeing in electrical communication with said antenna element andproviding electrical communication between said antenna element and thewireless communication capability when said port connector element isconnected to the pre-existing port of the camera body; and (c) anantenna notification module in electrical communication with saidantenna element and said port connector, said antenna notificationmodule producing an electrical event when said port connector element isconnected to the pre-existing port of the camera body, the electricalevent providing an indication to the wireless communication capabilitythat said antenna element is present.
 2. A system according to claim 1,wherein the wireless communication capability is configured to beswitched to an active state upon said indication that said antennaelement is present and to an inactive state upon absence of saidindication.
 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the pre-existingport is a PC connector.
 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein saidport connector comprises a first male connector element and a groundelement, said first male connector element and said ground elementproviding electrical communication between said antenna notificationmodule and said wireless communication capability, said wirelesscommunication capability including a transmitter for communicating asignal from the camera body to said antenna element via said first maleconnector element.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein saidantenna notification module includes an inductor in electricalcommunication with said antenna element, said inductor also being inelectrical communication with a ground element of the pre-existing port.6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communicationcapability is configured to communicate wirelessly via said antennaelement at a first frequency, said antenna notification module beingconfigured to produce an open circuit between the wireless communicationcapability and ground at said first frequency and a short circuit toground at a second frequency, the wireless communication capabilitybeing configured to detect said short circuit at said second frequency.7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communicationcapability comprises a wireless communication module inside the camerabody.
 8. A system according to claim 1, wherein said electrical eventincludes a measured current.
 9. A system according to claim 1, whereinsaid electrical event includes a short circuit.
 10. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein said port connector is configured to allow rotationof the antenna assembly with respect to the camera body when said portconnector is connected to the pre-existing port.
 11. An antenna assemblyfor removable connection to a first PC connector of a camera body havingwireless communication capability therein, the antenna assemblycomprising: (a) an antenna element; (b) a second PC connector includinga male connector pin in electrical communication with said antennaelement, said male connector pin providing electrical communicationbetween said antenna element and the wireless communication capabilitywhen said male PC connector is connected to the PC connector of thecamera body; and (c) an antenna notification module in electricalcommunication with said antenna element and said second PC connector,said antenna notification module producing an electrical event when saidsecond PC connector is connected to the first PC connector of the camerabody, the electrical event providing an indication to the wirelesscommunication capability that said antenna element is present.
 12. Anantenna assembly according to claim 11, wherein the wirelesscommunication capability is configured to be switched to an active stateupon said indication that said antenna element is present and to aninactive state upon absence of said indication.
 13. An antenna assemblyaccording to claim 11, wherein the wireless communication capabilitycomprises a transmitter for communicating a signal from the camera bodyto said antenna element, said transmitter being in electricalcommunication with said antenna element via said male connector pin whensaid second PC connector is connected with said first PC connector, saidantenna notification module being in electrical communication with saidwireless communication capability via said male connector pin.
 14. Anantenna assembly according to claim 11, wherein said antennanotification module includes an inductor in electrical communicationwith said antenna element, said inductor also being in electricalcommunication with a ground element of the first PC connector.
 15. Anantenna assembly according to claim 14, wherein the wirelesscommunication capability is configured to communicate wirelessly viasaid antenna element at a first frequency, said inductor having aninductance that produces an open circuit between the wirelesscommunication capability and said ground element at said first frequencyand a short circuit to ground at a second frequency, the wirelesscommunication capability being configured to detect said short circuitat said second frequency.
 16. An antenna assembly according to claim 11,wherein the wireless communication capability comprises a wirelesscommunication module inside the camera body.
 17. An antenna assemblyaccording to claim 11, wherein said electrical event includes a measuredcurrent.
 18. An antenna assembly according to claim 11, wherein saidelectrical event includes a short circuit.
 19. An antenna assemblyaccording to claim 11, wherein said male PC connector is configured toallow rotation of the antenna assembly with respect to the camera bodywhen said second PC connector is connected to the first PC connector.20. A wireless communication system for a camera body, the camera bodyincluding a PC connector and a wireless communication module having anantenna sensing means, the wireless communication module being inelectrical communication with the PC connector, the system comprising:(a) an antenna element external to the camera body; (b) a connectingmeans for connecting said antenna element to the PC connector of thecamera body, said connecting means being in electrical communicationwith said antenna element; and (c) a notification means for electricallycommunicating the presence of said antenna element to the antennasensing means when said connecting means is connected to the PCconnector of the camera body, said antenna element being adapted totransmit and receive one or more signals from and to the camera body.21. A wireless communication system according to claim 20, wherein thewireless communication module is configured to switch to an active stateupon the antenna sensing means sensing said presence of said antennaelement and to switch to an inactive state upon the antenna sensingmeans sensing the lack of said presence of said antenna element.
 22. Awireless communication system according to claim 20, wherein thewireless communication module is configured to communicate wirelesslyvia said antenna element at a first frequency, said notification meansbeing configured to produce an open circuit between the wirelesscommunication module and ground at said first frequency and a shortcircuit to ground at a second frequency, the antenna sensing means beingconfigured to detect said short circuit at said second frequency.
 23. Awireless communication system according to claim 20, wherein thewireless communication module comprises a transmitter for communicatinga signal from the camera body to said antenna element, said transmitterbeing in electrical communication with said antenna element via a firstconnection element of said connecting means when said connecting meansis connected with the PC connector, said notification means being inelectrical communication with said wireless communication module viasaid first connection element.
 24. A camera capable of wirelesslycommunicating with a remote device, the camera comprising: (a) a firstPC connector exposed to an outside surface of a body of the camera; (b)a wireless communication module having an antenna sensing means, saidwireless communication module being in electrical communication withsaid first PC connector; (c) an antenna element external to said body ofthe camera; (d) a second connector operatively configured to connectsaid antenna element to said first PC connector, said second connectorbeing in electrical communication with said antenna element; (e) anotification means for electrically communicating the presence of saidantenna element to said antenna sensing means.
 25. A camera according toclaim 24, wherein said wireless communication module is configured toswitch to an active state upon the antenna sensing means sensing saidpresence of said antenna element and to switch to an inactive state uponthe antenna sensing means sensing the lack of said presence of saidantenna element.
 26. A camera according to claim 24, wherein thewireless communication module is configured to communicate wirelesslyvia said antenna element at a first frequency, said notification meansbeing configured to produce an open circuit between said wirelesscommunication module and ground at said first frequency and a shortcircuit to ground at a second frequency, said antenna sensing meansbeing configured to detect said short circuit at said second frequency.27. A camera according to claim 24, wherein said wireless communicationmodule includes a transmitter for communicating a signal from saidcamera body to said antenna element, said second connector comprising afirst connector means for communicating said signal between saidtransmitter and said antenna element and for electrically connectingsaid notification means to said sensing means.
 28. A method ofactivating a wireless communication capability of a camera body, themethod comprising: (a) producing an electrical event by connecting anexternal antenna to a PC connector of the camera body; and (b) usingsaid electrical event to notify the wireless communication capability ofthe presence of said external antenna.
 29. A method according to claim28, wherein said producing step (a) includes providing an open circuitbetween the wireless communication capability and ground at a firstfrequency used by the wireless communication capability for wirelesscommunication, and producing a short circuit to ground at a secondfrequency used by the wireless communication capability to detect thepresence of said external antenna.
 30. A method according to claim 28,further comprising switching the wireless communication capability to orfrom an active state based on the presence or lack of connection of saidexternal antenna.